Islamabad: Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on Thursday warned that any "military audacity" by India will be given a "quick, firm and strong response". He had come to the 'firing range' to watch the regional training exercise organized by the armed forces. His remarks came amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and Islamabad's apprehension of retaliation by New Delhi. Earlier, questions were being raised about Munir's presence in Pakistan.
Munir issued a threat
The state news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted the army chief as saying, "There should be no ambiguity that any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, firm and strong response." Addressing the soldiers at the Tilla Field Firing Range (TFFR), he said, "Although Pakistan is committed to regional peace, we are fully prepared to protect national interests."
Munir witnessed the war exercise of the Pakistani army
The news agency quoted a press release issued by the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations as saying that General Munir went to TFFR to witness the 'Hammer Strike' exercise. It said that the aim of this exercise is to validate combat readiness, coordination in the battlefield and operation of state-of-the-art weapon systems under war conditions.
ISPR issued statement
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir said, "Pakistan wants regional peace, but our preparedness and commitment to protect national interests is unwavering." Pakistan had said on Wednesday that the next 36 hours would be crucial in view of the possibility of Indian action. However, the US Secretary of State urged the leaders of both countries to exercise restraint and reduce tensions.
